Cunard's Queen Anne is floated out in Venice

Sture Myrmell, president, Carnival UK, said, ‘The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water. Today marks a significant moment for Queen Anne as we recognise the dedication by the master ship builders at Fincantieri to build a ship that reinforces our position as a world-famous luxury brand.’

A bottle of prosecco was chosen for the traditional bottle smash with a madrina named to offer the customary blessings. 

This follows the ship’s keel laying last September. 

Work will now transition to building the interiors, with a vast curated art collection set to appear on board.

249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag

The 113,000gt, 3,000-passenger Queen Anne will be the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the third ship built for the cruise line by Fincantieri. Luigi Matarazzo, GM merchant ships division at Fincantieri, stated, ‘Building a liner for this ship owner takes us back to our roots, yet at the same time, spurs us forward to the future in a spirit of determination to bring together tradition and innovation, and further strengthen our longstanding relationship.’ 

Entering service May 2024 

It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service when Queen Anne enters service on May 3 next year, as it commences its maiden cruise to Lisbon.